Head of English

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Head of English

Location:

London, ENG, GB

Date: 13 Feb 2025

Application closing date: Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis

Inspired Education is the leading global group of premium schools, with a portfolio of 118 premium private schools spanning 6 continents which utilise proven educational practices from every corner of the globe, ensuring over 90,000 students receive a world-class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13.

In 27 countries, Inspired schools are individually developed and anchored in the vibrant cultures of their respective locations. They collectively form an international family of schools that nurtures each student’s academic and personal development in a progressive, dynamic, and innovative learning environment.

By joining our award-winning team of over 13,000 employees, you can work in state-of-the-art facilities alongside industry-renowned educators and leaders in some of the world’s most desirable locations. We invest heavily in our team members who enjoy industry-leading professional development, exceptional career opportunities, and mobility across our group.

ROLE SUMMARY:

Wetherby Senior School was founded in 2015. There are approximately 450 boys on roll, all of whom study at least one language for 5 years and we regularly add at least 0.5 of a grade Value Added at both IGCSE and A Level. Our students achieve grades that allow them to gain places at top UK universities such as; Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, Durham and UCL and universities aboard such as the University of Chicago, UPenn, Bocconi in Milan and the IE Business School Madrid.

The School was founded to offer a progressive education in the heart of London. The School’s focus on providing an all-round education means that high standards are expected of the boys in all areas of school life. The School provides the boys with a broad educational experience, which includes Philosophy and Thinking Skills in the curriculum, to ensure that they are able to think critically and to problem solve but also to ensure they can be creative and collaborative in their approach, so that they develop a sense of social responsibility and respect for others. Our skilled staff, who have a wealth of experience, are preparing to send our pupils to leading universities in the UK, the US and elsewhere.

At Wetherby Senior School we seek to employ highly professional teachers with the ability and commitment to enhance the life of the School and to work effectively and collaboratively with all members of the School community to further establish and develop the School. Our emphasis on educating the whole boy means that all members of staff are expected to contribute to the pastoral care of a group of students as a Form Tutor as well as contributing to the School’s co-curricular activities.

The post represents an exciting opportunity for a leader with the necessary vision and ambition to drive forward a flourishing English Department to the next stage of its development at the School, and in turn help offer a first rate academic education for boys in this core academic discipline. As Head of English at Wetherby Senior you will have the opportunity to lead a team of specialists and to develop the teaching of English in interesting and innovative ways. The post would suit an existing Head of Department or an ambitious Teacher looking to move into a management role and with a track-record of leadership. Teaching staff at Wetherby Senior School have experience of teaching in both the maintained and independent sectors and colleagues looking to move into independent education are warmly encouraged to apply.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the English curriculum, ensuring high standards in teaching, assessment, and resource development.
• Monitor and refine schemes of work, assessment methods, and academic progress tracking.
• Stay updated on subject developments and foster a spirit of academic inquiry among staff and students.
• Lead enrichment activities, including competitions, trips, and extracurricular programmes.
• Provide induction, support, and professional development for department staff.
• Observe lessons, give constructive feedback, and ensure effective classroom management.
• Promote teamwork by delegating tasks and fostering a collaborative department culture.

Pupil Progress & Support:

• Maintain high academic standards, track student progress, and implement interventions where necessary.
• Support pupils with SEND needs, university applications (including Oxbridge & international options), and subject choices.
• Encourage a love for English and provide opportunities for enrichment beyond the classroom.

Department Administration:

• Manage departmental policies, budgets, and inspections, ensuring readiness for reviews.
• Organise and document departmental meetings, reports, and external communications.
• Oversee textbooks, teaching spaces, and maintain the department’s online presence.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• The ability to inspire others and lead by example.
• Outstanding subject knowledge, academic qualifications and be able to communicate their enthusiasm.
• The ability to deliver dynamic and effective lessons to the full ability range of pupils at the School.
• Some experience of successful management of or within an academic department.
• Highly effective communication skills for dealing with all members of the School community.
• A commitment to pastoral care and the welfare and safeguarding of pupils.
• Interests and abilities that can enhance the School’s co-curricular programme.
• Excellent inter-personal skills.
• Excellent administrative, organisational and IT skills.
• The ability to teach English to A Level A* standard. We are planning to introduce A Level English Language from September 2025, so experience of this curriculum would be an advantage (but is not a necessity).

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT:

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

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